Departments & Programs

Jewish Studies

Major in Jewish Studies

Required Courses

Students must complete the following:

Two semesters of Modern Hebrew (JSTU-H 100-H 150) or Yiddish (GER-Y 100-Y 150).

JSTU-J 251 Introduction to Jewish History: From the Bible to Spanish Expulsion and JSTU-J 252 Introduction to Jewish History: From Spanish Expulsion to the Present. Both courses must be taken on the Bloomington campus.

Area of specialization. Four courses in one of three areas of specialization: Literature and the Arts; History and Society; or Religion and Thought. A maximum of two courses of Hebrew and/or Yiddish language instruction at the 200 level or higher may be counted toward any area of specialization. Credit acquired through language testing or through transfer credit from universities other than The Hebrew University (via IU Overseas Study Program) will not exceed the equivalent of two courses in the student's area of specialization.

Two additional courses must be completed outside the student's chosen area of specialization.

At least 9 credit hours must be at the 300–400 level.

A student must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of course work in Jewish studies on the IU Bloomington campus. A maximum of three courses may be credited toward the major from language testing or transfer credit from universities other than The Hebrew University (via IU Overseas Study Program).

Students interested in a career in Jewish sacred music may pursue a curriculum that combines the major with specific courses in the Jacobs School of Music. Please see the assistant director of the Jewish Studies Program for details.

Students must also complete the degree requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences.